Blue Ram dicussion

nynikki

nynikki

"Would you like to play a game?"
Aug 7, 2007
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Now that my tank has been set up, cycled, and I have had some success at keeping everyone in the tank, happy, healthy, and alive, I'm thinking it's time to pick out my showcase fish. Originally I was considering a pair of Angels, but the more I learn, the more I am realizing that they are sort of a mean breed. So far the meanest fish in the tank is my female swordtail, but she doesn't hurt anyone, just bullies the snails for their Jello :p:

I have done some reading on Blue Rams, they are very beautiful fish and most importantly, peaceful. I would only be getting a pair, I don't want to overstock. But before I get my hopes up, I wanted to check with you all first. So I'm looking for your advice and opinions.

My current stock is in my signature. My concerns are that my tap PH is around 7.8 and and hovers around 7.6 in the tank, so I will probably have to bring that down for Rams. If I bring the PH down, I can supplement my snails diet with extra calcium, they really love the Jello. If I add liquid calcium, does that make the PH rise? I have a Fluval and I have some peat granules and a nylon bag, so I can add that as soon as I decide what to do. I know for sure that I do not want to use chemicals to achieve this. I know I will probably also need to add some drift wood, but I don't have room for too much - so is this really necessary? The tank is heavily planted and I have a large dragon air stone taking up most of the ground space.

So, what do you all think? Is this a good home for a pair of Rams, or am I in over my head? Having only 1 is also an option. Thanks all in advance.
 
I wouldnt worry so much with the ph ....My pH is like yours about 7.8 from the tap and stays at around 7.6 in my tank....My rams dont have any issues with it.
 
Just make sure that you ask the PH of the local/online vendor. I know my PH in north orange county is closer to 8 from the tap, but so it the PH at the LFS near my house. If worse came to worse I'm sure the LFS near my house could probably ship some GBR's. They just got in a great, healthy looking shipment this week.

Get fish that are already acclimated. This has been quite the topic over the last 3 days. (close to 3 threads on High PH already)

You're fish will be fine, they just might not breed.

Be careful too, because royal phantom tetras have been known to reach past 3". You're stock might seem good now, but keep that in mind, because swordtails easily pass 3".
 
Mabowden said:
Be careful too, because royal phantom tetras have been known to reach past 3". You're stock might seem good now, but keep that in mind, because swordtails easily pass 3".
Click to expand...

I do hope you mean 3cm - From what I have read they should only get to be about 1.5 inches. I really don't plan to keep all the Sword fry. My LFS will take them back, and I was glad to find that out. Last I tested my LFS water, the PH was just about the same as mine, but some of their fish are kept in RO, I would guess if this were the case I would need to just acclimate them a little more.
 
GBR-blue rams should be kept in warm water..not sure how well swordtails do but the gbr's should be in water at minimum 82 but preferrably 84.
gbr's in cooler water may not colorup well and may be subject to stress caused by cool water temps and thereby more suseptible to getting sick.
the pH they should be able to adjust to ..test ph from the lfs and if different than yours use drip acclimation .
 
My tap/tank ph is 7.6, sometimes 7.8 and 'my rams spawned many, many times. So don't touch your ph. I kept them at 82-84 degrees with my discus. Here's a link to a great article on rams....with photos. Don't get just one, get a male and female!!
http://cichlidae.com/tank.php?id=368
 
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